Junel Fe 1/20 and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Rev...
• October 18, 2019

For Birth Control "First things first, I've been on a lot of different birth control brands. I know what to look for when it comes to side effects, etc. I've been taking Junel Fe for about three months. The only complaint I have is that I spotted a little bit before my period for the first couple of months, but that's because my body was still going through the adjustment period. I'm actually kind of shocked by all of the negative reviews. I haven't experienced any of them, and I've had nothing but good come from this pill. It's also helped my cramps, which is what I use birth control primarily for."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I've only been taking Junel Fe 1/20 for 2 months now (I have my 3rd month, but I don't know if I'm going to take it). I get my prescription online through a service, and the only reason I switched to Junel Fe was that I had to renew my subscription and they didn't pick back up where I left off. I figured I'd give it a few months and see what happened. I mostly take birth control to help with my ovarian cysts and regulation. I immediately noticed with this medication that I have a lot more pain and cramps. It also did not regulate my period, as I have missed it since I've been taking this medication. I also struggle with anxiety, and it not only doubled it but has made me feel extremely depressed. Also, I have relatively clear skin, but I've been having acne breakouts since starting. I already messaged my doctor to see about changing."

• hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2013

For Birth Control "I went on birth control for the first time in my life, I was experiencing bad acne and cramps almost 15 days before my period starts. My only fear was the weight gain, but I decided to give it a shot and try to control my PMS. I was on Junel Fe 1/20 for almost 5 months, did not get my period for the first three months, and I only had spotting for 2 weeks every month. My acne got to its worse level, and I experienced some huge acne on my back too. After being on Junel for 5 months, I noticed that I gained 10 lb, and it was a time when I decided to call my doctor to put me on something else. I am on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, and so far it has been a good pill, but with major headaches. I hate Junel Fe 1/20 since it gifted me 10 lb in 5 months."

• Bir...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on Junel Fe for about 6 months. I'm 21. So far, everything is good. I switched pills due to spotting for 60 days straight on a 90-day pill. Junel Fe gives me hardly any cramps, which is amazing because mine used to be so bad I would vomit, and I have light to no periods during the brown pill week. I did, however, notice I want to eat 24/7 (which I can control), and my mood swings are a little more severe. Sex drive and acne weren't affected."

• YAa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking this pill for about 9 months and have had no problems at all. I used to have pretty annoying acne, but over time, this pill has slowed down the amount of pimples I get. My period is VERY predictable. During my “no pill” week, I start with 2 days of no period, 4 days of light to medium flow, one day with no period, then start a new pack. That’s how it’s worked for months, and I’m grateful. No cramps, no breakthrough bleeding, no super heavy flow, no nausea, no headaches, or anything like that. I feel like my face has gotten chubbier, but I haven’t gained any actual weight, so not sure what to make of that. In terms of mood, I’ve always been a very emotional person, so I won’t attribute that to Junel. I’ve been anxious and depressed for years, and I don’t think this has made it any better or worse."

• 789...
• May 1, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for around 4 months now. I was switched to Junel because my insurance no longer covered Minastrin 24 Fe. Both are the same dosages of hormone, I believe. I have not had any pregnancy scares on this, nor have I had a period, which I personally love. I have not noticed any weight gain or increase in appetite that I'm sure is mostly life related. I have noticed slightly more cramping, on about a 4/10 scale, that only occurs around 4 times a month and lasts throughout that day. It's not terrible. The only other negative side effect that I do believe is from Junel is my headaches. I am prone to migraines, which these definitively are not, they just feel like cluster headaches that an Advil usually fixes."

• pin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on it for nearly two months now. The first month was fine, and my period was amazing. I normally have awful periods with so much pain I vomit and heavy bleeding, but the pill made all of that stop. But now, going on month two, there isn't a day that goes by where I don't feel ill. Dizzy, nauseous, headaches, mood swings, really weird dissociation, abdominal pain, and cramping – I'm going to stop taking the pill immediately because I can't take it. I would rather have a week a month of an awful period than feel like this every day. I might try another kind of birth control, but I'm hesitant because I don't want to go through this again, and I'm only using it to regulate my period, so I'm honestly not sure if it's worth it."

• Tea...
• December 3, 2014

For Birth Control "I had a myomectomy over 7 years ago. I had relief of not experiencing abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, blood clots, and cramping when having my menstrual cycle. Fast forward 7 years later - I have those same symptoms - abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, blood clots, and cramping. I KNEW my fibroids grew back! After extensive testing (ultrasound), it was confirmed by my doctor. She said the fibroid was on the OUTSIDE of my uterine wall and not on the inside. She gave me options - surgery or birth control. I chose birth control, and she put me on Junel 1/20. So far, very little cramping and NO BLOOD CLOTS and ABDOMINAL PAIN. Mind you, I still take ibuprofen, but I'm more physically outgoing and not bedridden or curled up into a ball."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 16, 2016

For Birth Control "Very surprised at the negative reviews - everyone is different! I've been on Junel for over a year and have loved it. No weight gain or mood swings. I used to have incredibly heavy periods with painful cramping, and all of that has completely disappeared! My periods are light and short, and I honestly get about one cramp a month."

• Nes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control (BC) for about 6 months. (I used to be on Gildess, but it has been discontinued from the factory, and this one was a perfect match.) I feel like this BC has made my depression and anxiety worse. I still experience mild nausea. My face breaks out, and they seem to stay there. I’m always emotional and agitated. I get cramps, but they are minimal. My periods are light, but they are a brownish color. I’m going to stop it because I want to see if my depression gets better or maybe try a new birth control. I wish they would bring back Gildess."

• adj...
• June 17, 2016

For Birth Control "Before my body adjusted, I had really bad mood swings. When my first cycle on the pill came around, it was a little unsettling, to say the least. Bad cramping. Inconsistent dark blood. Menstruation is no longer a hassle, though, as it's practically stopped completely. No mood swings. No change in appetite. Less acne. You might not match this pill if you continue to yield undesirable results."

• Ano...
• October 14, 2020

"I started taking Junel FE on Sunday, 10/4. The next morning, I woke up with intense nausea, dizziness, headache, and cramping. I started bleeding on Wednesday, with severe cramps. I also developed GI issues. The nausea, fatigue, and cramping were so intense that I remained in bed Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (10/12). I also felt extremely hungry. Medication did not work to help nausea or cramping. I got a rapid COVID test Tuesday, which was negative, to rule out any other possibility of illness. I did not take the pill Tuesday night (10/13). Today, Wednesday, I was able to get out of bed. I am still bleeding, but I did not take Advil today as my cramps are far less severe. I am less nauseous, and the headache is not as bad. I feel bloated and tired, but I was able to work today. Based on my personal experience, I would not take this birth control and would never recommend it to anyone else. Sorry to everyone else who had to go through this!!"

• hau...
• August 11, 2015

For Birth Control "Left a review when I initially started, said I'd update it after a while of taking the pill. PROS: Regulated and lightened period; effective birth control. CONS: Mild increase in acne; slight spotting in the beginning; nausea; cramping. Nausea and cramping got worse the week before, during, and after my period. By the time I got my period during the fourth month, this affected my daily life. Really interrupted my digestive functions - bowel movements ranging from constipation to diarrhea, bloating, general queasiness. On my period during the fifth month, actually vomited. Also exponentially increasing depressed feelings. Never before had these problems on my period. Decided to stop taking it because at this point I just want to be happy and healthy."

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2011

"I switched to Junel from LoEstrin 24 because of expenses. Junel being a generic of Loestrin. I had no side effects with Loestrin, and I have all the side effects on Junel. I have heavy periods, painful cramps, 10-15 pound weight gain, and I can't get rid of it, no matter how much I work out and exercise. I break out every day upon my chin. And if I sleep longer than 8 hours, like over the weekend, I get pain throughout my lower back. I'm definitely switching."

• Ano...
• February 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Lo Loestrin (ethinyl estradiol 0.01 mg and norethindrone acetate 1.0 mg for 24 days, then just the EE for 2 days, then sugar pills a week) for years until insurance changed and would not cover it any longer. I was put on Junel (ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg and norethindrone acetate 1 mg 21 days then placebo pills a week) a month ago, and I can’t take it anymore. My symptoms have been bad cramping, awful acne (my face looks like it did when I was in middle school), pain in my left leg/muscle and in my right arm, and starting last week I have been breaking out in terrible hives. I’ve never had an allergic reaction to anything before. At first, I thought it was maybe my laundry detergent, but I’ve switched and I’m still breaking out in hives. Everyone's body is definitely different, but I’ve never had such bad reactions from birth control before."

• Jen...
• May 8, 2019

For Birth Control "For as long as I can remember, I struggled with terrible PMS symptoms such as increased anxiety, depression, bloating, and cramping. I also had very heavy periods that lasted 6-7 days. Since starting the Junel Fe pill, I can honestly say my PMS symptoms have vastly improved. Under my doctor's orders, I am taking the pill continuously (skipping placebos). So, I have not had my period this month, which has been a huge burden lifted. I have had minimal spotting for a couple of days, but only enough to need a pantyliner. I have tried several other types of pills throughout my adult life, and this is the only one I have been able to tolerate. I have not experienced significant weight gain but have noticed a bit of a bloated feeling as well as some mild breakouts on my chest and face. My breasts have increased in size, which has been nice as I'm normally a small B cup. I expect all of these side effects to dissipate after 3 months, as according to my doctor, it takes that long for the body to adjust."

• Aly...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I just finished my 4th month on this Junel Fe 1/20 pill and have been so keen to start a new one. Since the beginning, I’ve had horrible cramps that keep me up all night. The weird thing is that they start about a week before my period. My breasts have been so sore constantly, and it scares me. Last night I couldn’t lean forward because it hurt so bad. I’ve been getting yeast infections, which I never got before this pill. Not to mention, I’ve been on different pills for over 10 years and have never had issues until this one. I’ve also gained 15 lbs. Not sure if that’s because of the birth control, but that’s when it started, no matter how hard I’d work to lose weight. I’ve never struggled with my weight before. I can’t wait to switch back to one that I trust."

• Ken...
• February 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for almost a year. I can't tell you how effective it is at preventing pregnancy, as my boyfriend and I always use other methods of protection as well. However, my emotions are ridiculous sometimes. They happen in waves, and I feel depressed, emotional, etc. I cry over such little things now. Anyway, I have also had three yeast infections and get my period twice a month with more pain than before."

• Mel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I was taking Microgestin, but then my pharmacy switched me to this god-awful pill, Junel Fe 1/20, when insurance could not cover the Microgestin. This pill sucks. I have been miserable. I have gained a lot of weight even though I eat healthy and exercise daily. I am crying constantly, mood swings, etc. I am barely bleeding on my period and cramping only a little, but that is the only plus side of this medication. Do not take this pill."

• Hea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I didn't become pregnant on this pill, but I stopped taking it after 7 months due to side effects. I was moody, sad, getting horrible headaches weekly, and felt anxious all the time. Never had any problems like that before, so I stopped the pill, and sure enough, everything went back to normal. I also had several days of mild cramping rather than my usual one day of more intense cramps-wasn't a fan. I'd much rather get that discomfort over with in one day. Though covered by insurance, the side effects of this pill were not worth it to me."

• Ann...
• April 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I was switched to this pill from LoLoestrin Fe after changing my health insurance that didn't cover LoLo. I loved LoLo as I didn't get any side effects. Even aware of the horrible ratings that I read about Junel Fe, I decided to give it a try because, hey, everybody is different. HORRIBLE PILL. From the moment I started taking it, I felt dizzy, had cramps, anxiety, mood swings, loss of energy, and worst of all, I was getting migraines almost every day. I also started to gain weight and THE HORROR... ACNE TOO! I told my OBGYN, and we are going to try another method. Pills like this should not be on the market, PERIOD, and insurance companies should not just take the cheapest stuff that makes their subscribers PAYING THEM miserable."

• Mol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on this BC for 3 months now, and it's the worst thing ever. I have constant spotting all month long. My periods last for about 2-3 weeks, and the cramping and headaches are painful. I don't recommend this BC to anyone. I'm always moody and never seem to have any energy to do anything. The nausea is the worst part of all, it lasts all day long. I have no appetite either. I'm not starting a new pack because I'm going to find a new BC. This one sucks and isn't agreeing with my body."

• Ama...
• August 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for almost 4 months now, and going into the 3rd month, I started experiencing abnormal breakthrough bleeding. The bleeding would occur every other day and has not stopped for almost 2 months now. I've also experienced horrible bloating, cramping, and pelvic and lower back pain. My pill is being switched next month."

• Riv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2019

For Birth Control "While I haven’t taken this for long, I am not a fan. However, I am extremely sensitive to hormonal changes, so take that for what you will. It did take away substantially from my painful cramps, but I was still in pain with no relief from OTC pain medicine. The mood swings were horrible. I have rarely felt something so emotionally exhausting. My depression was severely aggravated, giving me super dark thoughts and nightmares. I had never experienced that before. I was miserable. When I stopped taking this, it wasn’t soon enough. If you have a mental illness or history with suicidal ideation/if you are highly sensitive/prone to medications and their side effects, I wouldn’t take this, but that is purely my experience."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for 3 months now, and let me tell you, I have been extra moody, nauseous, and not feeling like I used to be. I used to have so much energy, and now I feel so tired and have migraines/dizziness. I'll get cramps in the lower abdominal area 2 weeks prior to my period, and also I'll wake up the next morning soaked in sweat. I don't like these side effects. Today I decided to throw the packet away. I'll definitely be using another birth control method. I want to feel like me again."